School Counselors
Virginia school counselors work directly with students, in addition to creating and supporting comprehensive school counseling programs around their school’s unique academic, attendance, and discipline data. They work to identify student needs, develop plans to address those needs, and take action to make a difference. Click the arrows to hear from additional School Counselors about what makes Virginia a great place to work.
School Psychologists
Virginia school psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support both teachers and students. They apply expertise in mental health, social emotional skills and psychoeducational assessment to identify and remove barriers to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. Click the arrows to learn more about what it means to be a School Psychologist in Virginia.
School Social Workers
Virginia school social workers are trained mental health professionals who provide both direct and indirect services to students, families, and school personnel. Their services are designed to address social, emotional, economic, and environmental barriers that may interfere with a student's academic success. Through early identification, prevention, and intervention services, school social workers support the whole student, including their needs at home, school, and in the community. They serve as the link between all facets of students’ lives to foster supportive learning environments, close achievement gaps, and promote systemic change. Click the arrows to learn more about being a School Social Worker in Virginia.
Hannah Abraham
School Social Worker
I have loved working for Fredericksburg City Public Schools. I started as a social work intern during graduate school, which led to a job opportunity. I am a first-year school social worker and my favorite part of the job is getting to know and care for our students and families. Getting to build relationships with students to know that I am here to listen, that I care, and will advocate for them is my favorite part of being a school social worker.
Kathleen Watt
School Social Worker
Making the move from a division where I served 2-3 schools, to Charlottesville City Schools, where I serve only one school as a social worker has completely reinvigorated me professionally because of the difference we can make with our district’s model. In my previous setting, I spent the majority of my time completing evaluations and supporting student and family crises. While that is still certainly a part of what I do, the majority of my time is spent with a smaller caseload of students identified through the MTSS process to support tier 2 or tier 3 needs in the areas of mental wellness, engagement (attendance) or positive school culture (behavior). This enables me to dive deep into the root causes of challenges, build on student and family strengths and be thoughtful in selecting appropriate Interventions that lead to lasting change. Since arriving in Charlottesville 4 years ago I was able to complete my LCSW certification and receive additional intensive training in providing evidence-based interventions in such areas as suicide prevention, substance abuse, PTSD treatment, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and we are currently expanding our capacity for Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I love the variety of clinical work my job allows me to engage in, and I particularly enjoy taking time to connect with students and families who may not initially be open to receiving therapeutic support, or who lack resources to receive support outside of a school setting. When the ‘help’ offered is not from a stranger but from a familiar adult who walks around the cafeteria in sparkly shoes and has supported your friends or maybe even a sibling through some trying times, there are less barriers to engage. I am 12 years deep into this profession and continue to grow every day thanks to a district that prioritizes mental health support!
Featured School Divisions
Learn more about the variety of districts in Virginia looking for top support talent. From mountain landscapes to city culture, there's a perfect home for everyone.
Licensure Requirements
Learn more about licensing for your job in Virgina and how to obtain a license.
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